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Tuesday, May 03, 2011

"what color is love?"

That was the name of Cal's school play. "What Color Is Love?" Any guesses?

If you guessed, "ALL THE COLORS" then you are correct. And also, perhaps you have been to at least a couple of little kid plays in your life, because that's always the answers. All the colors mixed together. (Also, world peace. And recycling.)

I can't wait until Mack starts school in about a month, because that kid is going to be some kind of dynamo. (Which reminds me, I still owe you a story about finding Mack a preschool, don't I? I'll get to it, but the short answer is that we found a preschool. On a completely unrelated note, can I please borrow a million dollars? Thanks!) Cal, however, has always been a little on the shy side, at least in situations where he is on display, so Joe and I were very happy to see him actually speak during the school play. There he is, at the microphone, like those kids in "Spellbound." Does he sound like a musical robot? (Sorry, "Spellbound" joke.)

Cal played the part of "The Sky" in the play, and honestly, I was a little embarrassed at how little effort I was able to put into his costume. I had originally bought a plain blue T-shirt for him at Target, and was intended to hot-glue cottonballs to it because, you know, clouds. But then I didn't have cotton balls. And then I didn't have time to go buy a hot glue gun. And then I found that T-shirt in my closet (disturbing, actually, how well my T-shirt fits Cal) that was blue with white animal shapes on it and was like GOOD ENOUGH JUST WEAR THIS. I don't think it would have come off quite as well if he got cast in one of the other more costume-y parts, like the lion, or the zebra. But sky? Sky is conceptual.

Anyway, if I'd made some giant elaborate costume, Cal probably wouldn't have wanted to wear it anyway, because he's stubborn like that. (She said, trying to convince herself.)

Or it's William from Rhode Island, who ordered not one but three! Are they good Mother's Day presents? Graduation presents? Birthday presents? All of the above, my friends!

Here is my book in good company in New York. Surgery clerkship guide? Pro tip: Figure out which hole is the anus and in what form your intern prefers his caffeine. (You're welcome. To be clear: those are two separate tips. Do not put coffee up your intern's butt.)

With Mazulah in Maine. Clearly a very intelligent dog. (Thanks, Kristen!)

And here, right in time for your summer reading list, the rest and relaxation version of the book, from Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. (Thanks, @bellocielo!)

Again, thanks for the fun e-mails and pictures, guys. My friend Veronica from high school and college is heading back to Uganda in a few weeks, and she has promised me that she is going to send me a picture of my book next to a Ugandan chicken. So keep an eye out for that one.

Also, if you haven't read it yet, go over to Sarah's blog "Old School/New Mom" and check out my interview with her about the book and kids and life in general. Thanks, Sarah!

I have to admit that I was a little embarrassed when I saw the picture of Cal wearing a shirt that I own. (Though should I, a 26 year old female, be ashamed of the prospect of dressing like a school-aged boy?)

Anyways- I was relieved and excited that you and I share a wardrobe item instead.

The book is AMAZING. I read it all today (while breastfeeding :) ). I really give you credit for writing something that reads like a real book and not like cut and pasted blog entries. Love, love your blog, of course, but I really appreciated that this book was different. You've struck this amazing balance between specific stories about your work and family and larger "big ideas" applicable not just within the world of medicine but outside it too. And the cover is awfully cute too!

Anonymous: Thank you so much! I really, really tried hard to make the book separate and different from the blog, and I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Different tone, many many new stories. You guys deserve as much!